INTERVIEW:
PHOTO CREDIT: Dominique Gau
DeLaurentis
___________
THERE is a distinct magic that emanates…
from the sounds of DeLaurentis. I have been speaking with the songwriter about her Big Part of a Big Sun E.P. and what inspired its songs. She talks about her connection to music and literature; why she takes care of producing her own music; how computer music changed her life and creativity – she talks about the three albums that mean the most to her.
I ask her to recommend some new artists and what tour dates are coming up; which musicians she grew up around; if she has a special memory that sticks in the mind; what she hopes to achieve before the end of the year – DeLaurentis tells me how she chills away from music.
___________
Hi, DeLaurentis. How are you? How has your week been?
Hi. I’m fine! We had a beautiful week in Paris - the summer weather came early. I performed a live video with my violinist friend at my home studio; we played the single from my new E.P.
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m a singer-musician and I produce everything. I record with synthesizers, controllers; loppers, vocoders etc. My music is Electronic, Pop and cinematic. I’m fascinated by the relationship between sounds and images! I grew up in an artistic family. My father is a Jazz piano player, my sister is an actress and my little brothers are musicians, too.
Big Part of a Big Sun is your new E.P. Can you tell me what sort of themes influenced the songs that appear throughout?
I composed these new songs on an island while trying to disconnect myself from city life and the crazy rhythm of the digital world. That’s why elements of nature, dreams; memories and the cycle of life are the themes of this new E.P.
Is it true you wrote the songs whilst on an island – free from distractions of social media? Did that influence themes of connecting with nature and the planet?
Yes, it’s true! Last year, I felt in a state of emergency to be in the wild and let intuition and inspiration take the reins. So, I went to an island to create and the result was immediate - because the first song I wrote was A Big Part of a Big Sun! It is an ode to the majestic sun - and the other songs came naturally after…
How much do literature and art go into your music? Do you take a lot from literature when you conceive material?
I like to read Celtic tales and traditional myths to write songs because it helps to open ‘the doors of perception’, as William Blake stated. My favourite books are Femmes qui courent avec les loups by Clarissa Pinkola Esté and La Femme Celte by Jean Markale.
Did music suddenly mean more to you when you discovered computer music? Was that a moment when you stepped up your ambitions and aims?!
At the age of twenty-four, I discovered computer music and I understood that all the sounds and melodies in my head could be recorded and played. Infinite possibilities were opened to me!
We live in a revolutionary time: nowadays: everyone can make music at home and release it online very easily.
You are a producer, too. Do you think having control of your music makes it sounds more natural and personal?
Yes. it’s really great to feel independent and free to make music by myself. It’s more personal and singular because I can choose the sounds, the effects; the sound design, the scenario…and, sometimes, accidents and mistakes can become a personal touch!
Which musicians struck your ear when you were growing up?
The first record I listened to, when I was five, was Toulouse from Claude Nougaro, a famous singer from my own city! Afterwards, I heard my father playing Jazz standards in clubs and I used to sing Jazz a lot. In my teenage years, I discovered Trip-Hop with Portishead, Morcheeba; Björk, Massive Attack…it was a defining moment!
PHOTO CREDIT: Thomas Guerigen
Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?
Not in the U.K. at the moment, but I have few gigs coming in France in the next months. One of them is a residence in the Montargis theatre (a small city close to Paris), where I will rehearse my new live show. At the end of the residence, I will perform my show and host a masterclass about how I connect Ableton software and Resolume software (video) on stage.
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
I hope to perform in many places in many other countries! I would love to come to play in London, of course! I really enjoyed performing in Ecuador last January year and I would love to return to South America. I’m also working on new songs and I hope to release my first album next year.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
One of my best memories as an artist is the concert I gave in 2016 with a string Classical quartet. The meeting of electronic and organic sounds is a perfect mixture. Since then, I always try to put these ingredients in my new songs!
If you could select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
Laurie Anderson - Big Science
She’s one of the first women who pioneered Electronic music - and this album is a huge reference for me.
Björk - Homogenic
After the queen Laurie Anderson, there is the diva Björk; another amazing female artist who has made a mark on the music history. This album is absolute perfection.
Joni Mitchell - Both Sides Now
Because it’s beautiful, poetic; symphonic and tender. It’s her seventeenth album and, for me, it’s her best! It always reminds me that I still have a lot to do and a lot to learn!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Be true; listen to your intuition and use the music to make a link between body and spirit. Share your feelings, give your emotions and the most important thing is working hard every day. Sacha Guitry (the famous French actor, director and screenwriter) used to say that an artist is 10% luck, 10% talent and 80% hard-working!
IN THIS PHOTO: Prequell/PHOTO CREDIT: Barrere & Simon
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Yes. I recommend you a lot of new artists like Prequell, LAAKE; Oscar and the Wolf, Malvina Meinier; Grandbrothers, Penelope Antena and Superpoze.
IN THIS PHOTO: Malvina Meiner/PHOTO CREDIT: Lucas Lauren
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
I do yoga every morning! I can’t begin a day without sun salutation. I like to walk in a park, have a glass of red wine with my friends and I enjoy cooking exotic meals like chicken curry, couscous and tom yam soup. Watching (T.V.) series is a good way to chill away from music. I prefer Science Fiction and Fantasy like Black Mirror, Stranger Things and Game of Thrones.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
The Singer by Teitur
______________
Follow DeLaurentis
